Newsletter

Kerns: Abbott doubles size of his annual Lubbock JAB Fest

A bit of this and a bit of that … with entertainment reminders leading up to a solar eclipse.

Lubbock’s Silent Wings Museum, 6202 N. I-27 (exit 9), will observe national ”Spirit of ‘45 Day” from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The day provides an opportunity for America to say “thank you” to those who served in uniform, and who supported them on the home front, during World War II.

In 2010, Congress voted unanimously in favor of a national “Spirit of ‘45 Day” to preserve and honor the legacy of the World War II generation. This way, their national unity, shared sacrifice, can-do attitude and service to community and country would continue to inspire future generations.

The day now is observed in hundreds of American cities.

Silent Wings Museum visitors generally pay admission fees of $6 for seniors and $8 for the general public. The Sunday celebration, however, finds the museum open at no charge to all ages from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Food trucks are available outside and, on the inside, children’s activities include games such as “Dress Like a Soldier” and “Bunker Blast.”

The Alma Trio will perform jazz and Big Band music at the Silent Wings Museum from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Call 775-3049 for more information.

Moving on…

Broadway tunes will be heard on the LHUCA grounds a week later than expected.

“Broadway Under the Stars,” a cabaret with snacks and a concert of Broadway tunes sung by six of Lubbock’s finest young vocalists, has been moved from Sunday to 7 p.m. Aug. 20 on the outdoor Reagor Dykes Pavilion at LHUCA, 511 Ave. K. Organizers feared inclement weather this weekend.

The evening begins with appetizers and wine provided by the Back 40 Grill. Hub Theatre Group has conceived a concert of traditional and contemporary Broadway tunes, sung by Kelsie Curry, Daniel Hogan, Frank Rendon, Josh Reynolds, Desiree Soto and Keely Umstot. Their voices will be familiar to anyone who has attended past Moonlight Musical, Moonlight Broadway and Texas Tech Opera productions.

Not every Broadway song may be familiar, though, which I like a lot. For example, while I never was shown the complete program, I see that many familiar favorites will be joined by tunes such as “You’ll Be Back,” from Broadway musical hit “Hamilton;” “How About a Dance,” from “Bonnie and Clyde;” “Waving Through a Window,” from “Dear Evan Hanson;” “I Didn’t Plan On It, from “Waitress;” and “Pretty Funny,” from “Dogfight.”

Tickets are $50 per couple, or $30 for an individual.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (806) 939-6571 or visiting online: https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=5588.

Moving on…

Josh Abbott once said he dreamed of Lubbock hosting an annual music festival, so he started one himself.

This year it doubles in size.

The JAB Fest, an annual live music event created by Abbott and headlined by his band, has grown into a two-day affair at 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 and 9 at the Lone Star Amphitheater at the Lone Star Events Center, 602 E. 19th St. Doors open at 4 p.m. daily. The Josh Abbott Band will close each night.

Bands playing on Sept. 8 are Kaitlin Butts, The Last Bandoleros, Wade Bowen, Joe Nichols and The Josh Abbott Band. Bands playing on Sept. 9 are Ross Cooper, Rich O’Toole, Koe Wetzel, Parker McCollum, William Clark Green and The Josh Abbott Band

Tickets are $50 for a two-day pass and $30 for a one-day ticket.

Tickets can be purchased online at wwww.Jabfest.com; there is a $4.95 processing fee per ticket. Call Roadhouse Productions at (512) 774-2900 for more details.

Moving on…

The late Louise Underwood once complimented Hub Theatre Group for not being afraid to tackle tough subjects and producing plays capable of inspiring thought.

Controversial, award-winning drama “Blackbird,” written by Scottish playwright David Harrower, will be staged by Hub Theatre Group at 7 p.m. Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8-9 and 15-16, and 2 p.m. Sept. 16 at the All Saints School Black Box Theatre, 3222 103rd St.

Direction is by Paula Chanda. The play stars Bob Chanda as Ray, and Melissa Miller as Una.

Tickets for general admission seating, purchased in advance, are $15 for the general public and $10 for students.

Barring sellouts, a “Pay What You Can” policy goes into effect one hour before each performance.

The play includes mature themes, with sexual dialogue; the story focuses on a former convict who was imprisoned for having sex with aminor.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (806) 939-6571, or by visiting online site hubtheatregroup.org/ticket-information.html.

Moving on…

And finally, a total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States on Monday, Aug. 21.

According to James Nesmith, of the Science Spectrum, “Lubbock will experience a 78 percent max eclipse when the moon passes between Earth and the sun during daylight hours, partially blocking or shading the sun’s light from reaching us.

“Locally, the eclipse will begin at 11:30 a.m., peak with max coverage at 12:57 p.m. and conclude at 2:26 p.m.”

So the Science Spectrum plans to celebrate with a free, public solar eclipse viewing party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21 on its front lawn and in the lobby. There will be hands-on space science activities, safe eclipse viewings with “special helmets and optical projections,” refreshments and music.

Nesmith told The A-J, “The total solar eclipse of June 8, 1918, crossed the United States from Washington State to Florida. That path is roughly similar to the total solar eclipse (expected) on Aug. 21, and was the last time totality crossed the nation from the Pacific to the Atlantic.”

The Science Spectrum issues the warning: “Never look directly at the sun or a solar eclipse without approved solar viewing glasses or helmets.”

A safety warning from Nesmith: “Safe solar eclipse viewing glasses are available for purchase now, and on the day of the event, in the Science Spectrum gift shop. Cost is $2.15. Free options include using the helmets and optical projections available during the event.”

Chat about movies, theater, music, dance and visual arts at my blog playBill by Kerns at lubbockonline.com — or check out Twitter at AJ_WilliamKerns.